Victor Agreda, Jr.

Knoxville's video production history goes back over a generation. Today, there are ample opportunities for production work, from web commercials to cable TV work and even film production. But can local production continue to thrive when cable audiences are shrinking? What is the economic impact of film production given the heavy competition from Georgia? We attempted to answer some of these questions by speaking with several involved in the local film and video community.

Despite national numbers dropping, Knoxville's craft brewing market continues to grow. At least, businesses keep popping up selling new and interesting beers. But are we at a saturation point? How much room is there to grow the craft beer market when it seems like a new brewery opens every few weeks? The reality is perhaps different than what we perceive, as I found out when I spoke to several people involved in the local beer scene.

When you go on vacation this summer it's quite likely you're not thinking about social equity. That's why researches at several universities are looking at how race and ethnicity play a part in how we experience not only historical presentations, but travel in general. Tourism RESET is an attempt to study patterns in the hospitality industry, and academics are not afraid to challenge the status quo when appropriate. We spoke to several researchers involved in the project. 

Knoxville was designated a Maker City by online crafter marketplace Etsy in 2016. In that time, the city has made efforts to congeal "makers" around central themes common to business development efforts. A website, social media campaign, and resource guide have all been launched.

I spoke to several stakeholders in the Maker City movement to get their angle on what it means to be a maker, and what it means to the city itself. Is there an economic impact from these micro-businesses?

Knoxville has long been a crossroads for musicians. As stages have come and gone, while some endure, the shape of the city's sound has also changed. In this Dialogue we'll talk to some of the city's residents who have helped shape that sound in recent years.